Pontious, James

James K. Pontious, 69, of Alvordton, Ohio, died, May 4, 2010, at home under the care of his family and hospice.

He was born Oct. 9, 1940, to Kenneth and Esther Pontious in Delta, Ohio. Jim married Rose Mary (Repka) Eisel on June 7, 1980, and she survives.

Jim worked for many years as a farm tire serviceman, and particularly enjoyed the years when he was the owner and operator of Jim’s Tire Service. He attended Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Fayette, Ohio, and was a volunteer member of the Alvordton Fire Department. Jim’s biggest joy was spending time with his family, whether it was working on projects together, playing together, or praying together. He also enjoyed the winters spent in southern Alabama.

In addition to his wife, Rose Mary, he is survived by children and step-children, Sandra (and George) Gagle of Pickerington, Ohio, Ronald (and Pat) Eisel of Alvordton, James (and Pam) Eisel of West Unity, Ohio, Robert (and Bobbie) Eisel of Alvordton, Randy (and Becky) Eisel of Ney, Ohio, Scott (and Michelle) Eisel of Delta, Ohio, Scott (and Jan) Pontious of Wauseon, Ohio, Shawn Pontious of Alaska, Shannon (and Sara) Pontious of Indiana, and Sara (and Chris) Bloomer of Wauseon; son-in-law, Robert Momyer of West Unity; mother-in-law, Rose Repka of Delta; two sisters, Betty Hall and Mary Crook, both of California; two brothers, Robert Pontious and Richard Pontious, both of Wauseon; 37 grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Jane Momyer; and father-in-law, Joe Repka.

A Mass of Christian Burial is planned at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 8, at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Fayette with Rev. Father Gary Ferguson as celebrant. Private interment will take place at a later date at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Eagle Funeral Home-Barrett Chapel in Fayette, with a scripture prayer service planned at 7:30 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church or to the Alvordton Fire Department.

GAMES DAY—Finn Molitierno (right) celebrates a goal during a game of Nok Hockey with his sister, Kyla. The two tried out a variety of games Saturday at Stair District Library’s annual International Games Day event. One of the activities featured a sort of scavenger hunt in which participants had to locate facts presented in the Smithsonian Hometown Teams exhibit. The traveling show left Morenci’s library Tuesday, wrapping up a series of programs that began Oct. 2. Additional photos are on page 7.

STRANGE STUFF—Morenci Elementary School students learn that blue isn’t really blue when seen through the right color of lens. Volunteer April Pike presents the lesson to students at one of the many stations brought to the school by the COSI science center. The theme of this year’s visit was the solar system.

MAPLE leaves show their fall colors in a puddle at Morenci’s Riverside Natural Area. “This was a great year for colors,” said local weather watcher George Isobar. Chilly mornings will give way to seasonable fall temperatures for the next two weeks.

MORENCI Marching Band member Brittany Dennis keeps the beat Friday during the half-time show of the Morenci/Pittsford football game. Color guard member Jordan Cordts is at the left. The band performed this season under the direction of Doyle Rodenbeck who served as Morenci’s band director in the 1970s. He’s serving as a substitute during a family leave.

MOVING EAST—Utility workers continue their slow progress east along U.S. 20 south of Morenci. New electrical poles are put in place before wiring is moved into place.

A PERFORMER named Biligbaatar, a member of the AnDa Union troupe from Inner Mongolia, dances at Stair District Library last week during a visit to the Midwest. The nine-member group blends a variety of traditions from Inner and Outer Mongolia. The music is described as drawing from “all the Mongol tribes that Genghis Khan unified.” The group considers itself music gatherers whose goal is to preserve traditional sounds of Mongolia. Biligbaatar grew up among traditional herders who live in yurts. Additional photos are on the back page of this week’s Observer.

HOLDEN HUTCHISON gives a hug to a black bear cub—the product of a taxidermist’s skills—at the Michigan DNR’s Great Youth Jamboree. The event on Sunday marked the fourth year of the Jamboree. Additional photos are on page 12.